Push the Wall Away
Technique practice for a strong, clean wall push-off on the front and back – the foundation of every glide.
- Stages
- Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4
- Difficulty
- Developing
- Skills
- Streamlining, Push and Glide
- Equipment
- None
- Age
- 4–99 years
- Group size
- 1–10 swimmers
- Time
- About 4 minutes
- In a lesson
- Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
Safety notes
- Check the pool wall isn't slippery and the push path is clear.
What it develops
- Push and glide on the front
- Push and glide on the back
- Streamlined push and glide on front and back
- Push and glide in a tight streamline
How to run it
- Front: hold the wall with one hand, both feet on the wall at hip height, knees bent.
- Sink the shoulders, arms together in front, then push with both feet.
- Back: hold the edge with both hands, feet on the wall, lie the head back, let go and push.
- Compare a weak push and a strong push – which went further?
Teaching cues
- Feet flat on the wall.
- Squash like a spring.
- Push the wall away.
Make it easier
- Push from the floor instead of the wall.
- Assistant holds the swimmer's hands and draws them into the glide.
Make it harder
- Push from under the water (whole body submerged).
- Push on the back with arms streamlined above the head.
Common faults
- Feet too high or too low on the wall.
- Pushing up instead of along.
- Only one foot on the wall.
Corrections
- 'Feet where your bottom would be if you sat on the water.'
- 'Push to the far side, not the sky.'
Assistant / L1 role
- Stand beside the wall and place swimmers' feet in the right spot before each push while the teacher gives feedback on the glide.